South OC Times

The Sheriff’s Department will participate in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On Saturday, May 25, deputies will monitor for violations by bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians that endanger roadway users. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals, or any other dangerous infractions.

Deputies will also watch for pedestrians who cross streets illegally or fail to yield to drivers with the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped if they ride on the wrong side of the road, do not comply with stop signs and signals, or commit other violations of traffic laws that apply equally to them as to drivers.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities have increased nearly 33 percent since 2012, while the number of bicyclist deaths has risen nearly 25 percent over the past five years.

People walking should only cross streets using crosswalks or intersections with a stop sign or signal when possible. Pedestrians should also look out for cars backing up, avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers, and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross streets completely before proceeding, avoid distractions such as cell phone use while driving, and exercise courtesy and patience. All bike riders are reminded to always wear helmets; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction as traffic and adhere to the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign “Go Safely, California.” For more information on safe practices visit gosafelyca.org.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.